This blog is dedicated to all the people of Selangor for voting in the new state government. Time to have your say now.

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Selangor Govt may work with ex-BN leaders to develop state - NST

SHAH ALAM, Tues: April 22, 2008

The Selangor Government does not dismiss the possibility of working with former Barisan Nasional state leaders for the sake of the state’s development and future.

Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said the decision would, however, depend on the state executive councillors, whether they would need the services of the individuals concerned.

“It depends on them, but we hope for strong cooperation among them so as to provide the best services possible, for the people.

“Change will take place as only those qualified and professional enough will be given the trust to carry out the tasks,” he told reporters after the swearing-in of the state’s assemblymen here today.

He was responding to a query, whether Selangor would follow the move by Penang, which is also under opposition rule, to appoint former BN leaders to serve the state government.

Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng had announced the appointment of former Parliamentary Secretary to the Health Ministry Datuk Lee Kah Choon as a board member of the Penang Development Corporation (PDC) and investPenang, a subsidiary of the PDC.

Lim said the appointment of Lee, also formerly Gerakan deputy secretary-general, was aimed at assisting the state government in Penang’s economic development.

The Chief Minister also announced the appointment of former Sessions Court judge Datuk Ho Mooi Ching, 56, as chairman of the Penang Pardons Board and former Penang BN secretary Tan Sri Khalid Ahmad Sulaiman, 71, as deputy chairman of the board.

Meanwhile, on the appointment of Teng Chang Khim as Selangor state assembly Speaker and Haniza Mohamed Talha as Deputy Speaker, Abdul Khalid hoped the coming assembly sitting would proceed smoothly.

“I congratulate Teng and Haniza and all those who took their oath of office today. As the elected representatives and voices of the people, I also hope that we can all give our views and debate on matters with decorum in the interest of the state.”

Fifty-five assemblymen were sworn in today, while arrangements are being made for Kota Alam Shah assemblyman M. Manoharan, who is now under ISA detention, to take his oath as soon as possible.

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Roles and responsibilities of councillors

Roles and responsibilities of councillors

As part of the local council administrative system, councillors carry these roles and responsibilities.

As a committee member who makes decisions on approval for applications like planning, development, and licensing. Yet at the same time their actions should not be contradictory and against the policy decided upon by the local council for the public interest.

To advice the local government on matters relevant to their expertise and profession

To represent the people and the local community in matters pertaining to their living condition at the respective local council.

As a mediator between the community and the local council and to serve as the patron for their residents association.

To relay the feedback and response given by the local community on the quality of service given by the local council.

To be policy and decision makers. To draw a set of local by-laws as a guide for administrative purposes in solving the local issues and on how to give best service to the people.

To draw the policy to determine the direction of the local council and the direction has to augur well with the state and central government’s policies and at the same time meet what the people want.

As spokesman for the local council to ensure that policies drawn at the local authority are accepted by the local community.

To get a response from the community if there is any abuse of misuse of power or funds by the local council.

To encourage public participation on activities and programs organised by the local council.

Appointment of the councillors

The Local Government Act 1976

Section 10 (1) - the local authority shall consist of the mayor or president and not less than eight not more than 24 other councillors to be appointed by the state authority.

residing in the respective local council

Have wide experience and knowledge in local government affairs

Achieved distinction in any profession, commerceor industry

Able to represent the interest of the community they are serving

Editor’s Note: If you have any comments or views on this issue of councillors, please write to us at metro@thestar.com.my.